Yes, this probably was retribution.

Arlington's police department has repeatedly denied using a quota system. The Arlington police union may very well have exposed the quota system in retaliation for 15 officers being placed on administrative leave. Police departments, along with any public department should never deny something that could be proven otherwise. This makes it look like the Arlington police department was trying to hide something; it might raise questions about what else the department is hiding.

Sure it is

Sure, it is retribution. But if the department had nothing to hide they would not have to worry about anything. Just because it was a tool of retribution does not make it not true. Why they would need a quota is beyond me, maybe it was too justify their existence.

Exposure of Quota System not Retribution

The scandal involving Arlington officers that faked citations and were then put on leave is not retribution. Instead, it was the just punishment of officers who claimed to do their job when in fact they hadn't. The fact that the long-believed quota system came to light is just another factor in the whole process. Our police officers are placed in a position to protect the populace. By not doing and fulfilling their duties, they put the entire society at risk no matter how severe or how minor the situation might be. Those that are stating that it is retribution are mainly those that side with the officers that were involved.

Arlington clearly has a quota system

The police union in Arlington is correct to be concerned about the exposed quota system. Is it really any surprise that there are denials? Quota systems are just a way to push through on qualified candidates into jobs in which they do not belong. In the police force, that is a danger to the public.